By Esther Ososanya
Top African and Caribbean leaders, global economists, and private sector giants are expected in Abuja, Nigeria, from June 25 to 27, 2025, for the 32nd Annual Meetings (AAM2025) of the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank).
The bank disclosed this in an official statement issued on Friday, noting that this year’s meetings will focus on the theme: “Building the Future on Decades of Resilience.” The conference is expected to chart new pathways for accelerating trade, driving investment, and fostering innovation across the continent and the Caribbean.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is scheduled to attend the high-level gathering alongside former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo and Ambassador Albert Muchanga, African Union Commissioner for Economic Development, Tourism, Trade, Industry, and Mining. Other confirmed participants include Central Bank Governors, African ministers, top business executives, and global thought leaders.
“AAM2025 comes at a pivotal time for Africa. As the continent confronts global uncertainties, it is doing so with renewed resolve,” said Professor Benedict Oramah, President and Chairman of the Board of Afreximbank. “Following the successful 31st edition in The Bahamas, we return to the continent to catalyse practical action—building stronger institutions and unlocking Africa’s full innovation potential. We thank President Tinubu for his continued support.”
The lineup of speakers includes renowned economist Professor Jeffrey Sachs, Director of the Centre for Sustainable Development at Columbia University, and Dr. Kishore Mahbubani, Distinguished Fellow at the Asia Research Institute, National University of Singapore. Also billed to speak are Professor Ghulam Mufti of King’s College London, and former Prime Minister of Jamaica, P.J. Patterson.
From the private sector, Nigeria’s foremost industrialist Aliko Dangote, President of Dangote Group, and Tony Elumelu, Chairman of Heirs Holdings, are among key business voices expected to shape the investment dialogue.
Afreximbank said the meetings are expected to generate significant short- and long-term economic benefits, including billions of dollars in trade and investment deals through Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs), public-private partnerships, and strategic financing arrangements across critical sectors.
Key agenda items include operationalising the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), improving cross-border payment systems, deepening Africa-CARICOM trade and tourism, and enhancing private sector involvement in economic reforms.
Organisers say the discussions will target practical outcomes: reducing the cost of doing business, expanding trade infrastructure, and promoting economic integration across the Global South.
With its influential mix of policymakers, scholars, and business leaders, AAM2025 is poised to shape the future of trade, innovation, and sustainable development in Africa and the Caribbean.
Esther Ososanya is an investigative journalist with Pinnacle Daily, reporting across health, business, environment, metro, Fct and crime. Known for her bold, empathetic storytelling, she uncovers hidden truths, challenges broken systems, and gives voice to overlooked Nigerians. Her work drives national conversations and demands accountability one powerful story at a time.